Aero Part 1-4 Answers to the Questions

Aero sits in the Kings study awaiting his father, with him are is brother David, Ser Stephan and his current squire Rich, a sixteen-year-old runaway from Trayalia, a fishing port in the Western region and Ser Matthew whom tagged along in support of Aero.

Aero has ample support now; each person is someone of value to the Prince. They all sit quietly in the ancient office of the King. The floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books, hundreds of them adorn the walls. Weapons of former Kings are mere ornaments in the room. Somewhere in the room is a record of how many Kings have ruled in this place, but no one knows for sure.

Though quiet in the room. Everyone can hear the buzzing outside the door. Nothing compared to when well to do socialites worked themselves into a frenzy over any drama in the court; but today was even more so. The entire building seems to have been electrified by the events of the Great Hall.

The silence is erased quickly by the King bursting through the door in a rush with his advisor Marco, Marco’s assistant Leon, and the King’s Council member Gerwin.

“So, you went into a forbidden place? The punishment for that is death you know.” Says the King as he makes his way to his desk.

Aero adjusts himself in the seat he has been in for some time waiting on his father. “Of course not, I left the note as a joke. Does anyone really think I’m dumb enough to walk into the Forbidden Cave of Brintz?”

Stephan speaks up first. “No.”

Prince David back him up.

Marco throws out a “maybe.”

“Not without me.” Matthew adds.

Everyone looks at Matthew with a puzzled look on their face, they all see the familiar grin that had been in place since he knew Will was in trouble.

“Guard, could you wait outside the room?” The King asks.

“Of course, my King” Matthew states as he bows and makes a move toward the door.

“And take my Squire with you” Stephan adds.

As they leave, Marco also expresses a desire to leave, so he and his assistant do so.

The King instructs Gerwin to return with a scribe in one hour. The King intends on sending out a message throughout the kingdom.

With just the King, Princes David and Aero and the Broken Sword, the King gets down to business.

“If you really didn’t go into the cave then what were you doing in the area.? Because you left a note stating you were going to visit the cave so that you could die on your own terms. Then you disappear for nearly two months.”

“I thought it would be a funny joke. I had no idea that anyone would take that seriously. I did enter the hill country via the broken trail that rises to the cave and I exited out that same path. But father, I never even saw the cave. I have been receiving reports that a blood leopard had been spotted in the area. With what little personal time I had left, I chose to make one last hunting trip. I wondered the upper ridges of the hill country. Unfortunately, I never even seen a sign of it. Father, only a fool would go into that cave, do you really think I would go in?” Aero asks.

The King stares at his son, exploring the depths of his golden eyes looking for any glimpse of a tell; but Aero doesn’t give him one.

“Besides, if I had entered that cave, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

King William accepts the statement as fact. People don’t go into the forbidden cave and come out; therefore Aero didn’t go into the cave.

“That I believe. But why would you hunt such a dangerous animal when you know you have an important mission ahead of you? Son, you’re not getting out of this. I fully expect you to complete this mission.”

Aero looks away from the King at the first mention of the impending crusade to Meego.

“I killed a halo bear with just a dagger, a blood leopard wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Don’t start with that story again.” The King continues “Son, look at me… (Aero turns to his father) …this is not a suicide mission, you will meet with the officials and charm their asses off and return with my sword. Once you do that, I will reunite the kingdom. Everything is riding on you.”

Aero hangs his head again as his father continues to speak.

“It’s not that dangerous either, just refuse to have anything to do with the Councilor’s daughters. This is not the death sentence you think it is. Do you understand?”

“I understand.”

“Good, you will leave in a few days with your new friend, I expect you to bring him back as well. I have decided to send Ser Stephan with you to ensure you make it to the Summer Palace on time. And since you enjoy the company of this Ser Matthew, I will allow him to go.” The King commands.

“I would like to travel with them as well” David speaks somewhat out of turn.

“No, your place is here with me, I need you. It will take Ser Stephan four and a half months to complete the trip and return. I can’t be without you for that long.”

David looks at Ser Stephan, his personal guard whom he hasn’t been without in years.

“Don’t worry, I will assign you two guardsmen to protect you until the Broken Sword returns, so let’s get ready for the feast. I will crush these rumors of you entering a forbidden area. That letter was dumb, in the future, just be honest on paper.” The King states.

“Yes Father.” Aero responds as he rises out of his seat to leave. He takes a large breath, he had kept his vow to Crimson, and he would be safe.

Aero knows he is on the fast track to Meego. At least he gets to bring his mentor and one of his best friends with him. He will have the capability of ignoring Will through most of the journey. He knows that his accompaniment’s primary mission is to make sure Aero doesn’t find a way to avoid his, but since it’s friends he doesn’t have a sense of dread. In a strange way, Aero is looking forward to his pilgrimage.

First though, he must endure one more night of the social elite at a feast in his honor no less.

Aero Part 1-3 Chaos in the Throne Room

“Seize him!” the King shouts!

Ser Stephan reaches out and grabs Will’s right arm at the same time Ser Matthew steps behind him to block any escape. David reaches for the keys on his sword belt. As he does so, he notices that Will is wearing Aero’s sword belt. David grabs the hilt and unsheathes it.

“Father, this man has stolen my brother’s sword” David yells across the Great Hall.

“N..n.no no no, I was going to present it to the King” Will stammers out lowly.

“Why?” Asks Ser Stephan resolutely.

“Because he thought he would be knighted… given a promotion. He thought making this entire spectacle would make him a hero of the kingdom. He just wants a reward.” Aero tells Stephan.

“I’ll give this man a reward alright. How about I strip him of rank and send him to Porter to work the rest of his life in the sewers?” Stephan responds.

“He should be stocked in the square for three days before he goes.” David adds.

“NO!” Shouts the King “he is my subject and I will deal with this fool!”

Will suddenly terrified tries to take everything in.

He looks over to Ser Stephan, the Broken Sword. One of the greatest knights of this generation. He is a dark-skinned man standing well over six feet. Broad shoulders on display as he isn’t wearing his formal armor. Stephan is probably the most muscular man that Will had ever seen. His hair is as dark as midnight which is almost as dark as his skin. He notices even his eyes are dark, they have more of a purple tint to them than black. With the fire in Stephan’s eyes he is a very intimidating figure.

He is a very stark contrast to Prince David. He has a smaller frame than Aero. His curly brown hair is so much darker than Aero’s islander hair but is still a vibrant color compared to Stephan’s. David’s frame is noticeably smaller than the other two men. He wasn’t born to be a soldier; at least not in his own mind. David’s height comes to about shoulder height on Stephan and reaches Aero’s forehead. Build wise, both men are larger shoulder to shoulder.

Despite the size difference, Prince David is clearly the Royal. Even though Aero is a son of the king, his life as a knight doesn’t leave much time to self-preening. David clearly takes great care in his appearance especially when he is in court.

“Bring him before me.” The king demands.

Stephan leads him over to the throne, Will collapses to his knees on the floor before the King. Head held low, regretting every decision he had made over the last day. His zeal has brought him to ruin.

Even with a ten plus year career with the guard, this is the first time he has ever laid eyes on the king.

The King is also a smaller built man like David. Aside from the beard and the greying hair, he looks like David. Well maybe if David put on about thirty pounds.

“Sire, Guardsmen Will of River Bend.” Stephan announces Will for the King.

“You have my name and make a mockery of my family? I am outraged that a peasant with my name from River Bend would have the audacity to disrespect me in front of my entire kingdom!”

As the King speaks, David finally removes Aero’s binders. The King notices this and addresses his youngest son “I’ve heard your brother’s and mentor’s council on how to handle this situation, what say you my son.”

A cold chill runs down Will’s spine as he realizes that the man he had wronged was now giving the King advise on how to punish him.

“Father, this man was just doing his job. He was commanded to bring me back to the Capital and he did so. He was overzealous, but he followed the order. His fault is against me, and as I see it. It should be me that gets to deliver the punishment.” Aero says.

This brings a smile to the King. He has always wanted to see his youngest son treat others with a firmer hand. The way the ruling class is supposed to treat everyone beneath them. Aero had never done so. Out of all his sons, he was the most like his mother. Kind and merciful. It was those traits that the King despised the most about Aero. But now maybe he was ready to act the part.

“What would you do then, son?” The King asks.

“I would forgive him and allow him to return to his regular post tomorrow.”

“No! Prince Aero since you won’t get justice for yourself, I will do it for you! Ser Stephan, I cannot send this man to the sewers, it is too good for him! David, time in the square would be a good start but not the entire punishment. I will not have any one in my kingdom disrespect the royal family! Will of River Bend, for your actions here today I hereby sentence you to accompany my son, Aero on his trip to Meego.” The King shouts in anger. Blood rushing to his face deeper with each breath.

“FATHER NO!” Aero shouts

“SHUT UP! Get this man out of my sight and have him ready to depart in three days’ time, until then put guards on him at all times!”

Silence befalls the room. Will hangs his head as the guardsmen lead him out of the hall. The social elite split the room to give Will a path out. To Will it is a death march.

“Father, you just killed that man…” Aero states in disbelief.

“Did I not tell you to shut up? That man will be an example to all for many generations to come. Everyone will know what happens when you put your hands on a royal!”

“Is that what I am? An example…” Aero deflatingly says.

“Boy, we have the matter of you running off to Brintz to discuss. It’s best if you keep your mouth shut. Ser Stephan, take my son to my study. We will continue our conversation there.” The king commands

Aero Part 1-2 Arriving at Court

The Guardsman Will, felt a swell of pride as the Capital towers became visible in the distance. His ingenuity and cunning is about to pay off. The King personally sent him on a mission to retrieve his wayward son, and he found him! Never mind that he was sent out with the garrison; it as his time to be recognized. It was he who had found and apprehended the Prince. It will be he who delivers him to the King personally. Will had made sure to bypass the garrison commander, an idiot according to Will. A man who had stolen one of the positions he had longed for. Why should he get any credit? He hadn’t done anything to bring the Prince knight to justice.

Will’s formulated a plan quickly once he had the Prince in hand. He would get off the main road and linger for a night and finish the short trip in the morning. This way he would arrive at the castle around midday, when the most people would see his triumphal entry into the throne room. Deep down Will saw himself as a conquering hero returning from a long campaign. He would enter the city and parade his captive through the main thoroughfares to the King. Surely the maidens would rain down flowers upon him as he made his way through the streets.

Will’s mind ran wild with dreams of promotions, riches and perhaps even a knighthood from the King himself. His prisoner however, just sat quietly in the cage facing toward the back. He hasn’t made any effort to look toward the capital or make conversation with his captor. Will wanted to hear the Prince plead for release. He wanted to know that the Prince knew his future was in his hands. But he just sat stoic and silent. Resigned to his fate, Will presumes.

The carriage crosses over the outer bridge. No one takes notice, and why should they? The people of River Bend are just peasants, they aren’t as in tune to the politics of the kingdom as Will. He may have come from this cesspool, but he had risen above it long ago. Will first notices glances toward the prisoner cart at the forks leaving the Bend. Left would take him to the military grounds where he lives in a modest stone shack with his wife and two children. It’s of little note, his looks like every other shack of his rank throughout the encampment. It is also where all prisoners are unloaded and taken to the castle through a series of guarded tunnels, doorways and corridors. A higher-ranking officer would take his prize and glory from him, so he leans to the right of the fork to ascend the hill.

Will takes a big breath of fresh air as he inches closer to the city center and his new station in life. Each turn, each side street and roundabout that he takes to maneuver the large cart through puts more eyes on him and he feels it.

Will is sitting up straight trying to look the part. He must keep his eyes on the pathway to avoid running into citizens, so he doesn’t fully get to soak in the glory just yet. No, he must wait until the entire court turns their attention to him. That’s the way he would have it too; the most important eyes in the entire kingdom.

He reaches the castle gate without incident.

The guards stop them. The prisoner cart is out of place.

The Guardsman watching over the gate is Ser Matthew of Two Springs. Ser Matthew is known throughout the ranks as someone who enjoys the drink. Most of the men in the Royal Guard tried to write him off as a drunk, but through his actual work was found to be worthy of knighthood. This infuriates Will to no end. A drunk gets a knighthood before him; another slap in the face.

Will can hardly hide his distain for Matthew as he leaves his guard post to inspect the cart. Matthew approaches and Will notices that his armor isn’t quite in order, his sword belt is sagging a little too much and his long wiry beard hasn’t been shaved, much less trimmed in years. Will prepares for the stench of wine, but he doesn’t ever get it. Matthew doesn’t drink while on duty. Will gives him one more look over while they stare each other down.

Apparently, Matthew has a fault against Will as well.

Little matter to Will, he is about to become a known man. Never mind this lowlife wasting away at this post. Still Will can’t help but wonder what knight thought it best to anoint the drunk. Too bad for Will that he wasn’t up to date on his Kingdom politics… if he were then he would have known that Ser Matthew the Loyal was anointed by Prince Aero himself, and was the only knight he had made in his time as a knight.

“What are you doing here Will?” Matthew asks

“Prisoner transfer, too important to take through the proper channels. I must go directly to the King. You wouldn’t understand, what are you even doing on guard duty?” Will snaps

“The excursion to the north has left the city guard shorthanded. I volunteered to help out.”

“A drunk watching the gate.” Will mutters under his breath

“Excuse me!” Matthew replies reaching for the hilt of his sword.

“Let him pass Matt, and make sure he gets to his destination without incident.” Aero says still facing away but turning towards him.

“Prince Aero?”

“Listen to me my friend and help this man, he has a mission.” Aero says as he turns around.

“Yes, My Lord.” Matthew says as the junior guardsman dismounts the carriage. “To the Castle.” Matthew says as he climbs upon the carriage and sits next to Will.

Matthew guides Will through the streets of Blue Water, and Will his glad he is doing so because he would have never found the castle center without him. The ancient maze of narrow roads is unknown to Will, his rank doesn’t patrol the inner city often. Matthew points out a good unloading spot right in the middle of all the action. This was the moment Will had been waiting for.

Will loiters near the back of the carriage a moment before opening the cage door for Aero. What Will doesn’t notice is Matthew cutting off several other guards and knights of the court and redirecting them to make the entry into the hall clear for Will and Aero.

Gentlemen, guards, ladies and maidens have all turned their attention to the cart. Will decides this lingering has went on long enough and it was time to begin the show. He opens the door and out steps the Prince in his full royal glory. Even the people watching from the distance notice the royal cape that he is wearing. They see the flowing locks of long blond hair and immediately know the identity of the prisoner.

Aero immediately takes off on foot up the marble stairs toward the throne. Matthew and his helpers make sure the way is unimpeded. Officials can be seen questioning Matthew and his men. After a brief few words they each get out of the way. As they enter the building the entire square is abuzz with this incredible sight.

A Prince in binders, wheeled into the castle in a prisoner wagon.

Aero maintains a brisk pace, one that Will has a hard time matching but makes every effort.

As they round the last corridor, from afar Aero sees his brother David standing near the entrance of the great hall speaking with his sworn bodyguard Ser Stephan. The commotion from the corridor causes David to peer down the hall and see the silhouette of his brother.

David smiles, not close enough to his brother to see his binds.

He raises his hand toward his father who is sitting on the throne, speaking with Marko one of his advisors. The King looks down and sees David’s hand and points to him. The room goes silent.

David steps forward “Father, it pleases me to present your son, the Prince Knight, Ser Aero the Fin!”

A light chuckle can be heard throughout the room, no one wants to offend the King, but they can’t help but take a laugh at the expense of the third born island named son. By the time David turns around Aero is close enough for him to see the binders.

“The one thing that gives me comfort is that I will never have to bow to you!” Aero quips back at his brother with a playful smile on his face as he waves his binds to his brother.

Ser Stephan was looking at David when Aero began to speak and saw the smile retract from David’s face. He turns to Aero and immediately shouts “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN CHAINS!”

All sound leaves the great room, the collective breath of everyone in the room with it. All sense of pomp and ceremony is over. All eyes are on Aero and his chains.

Aero simply turns his head towards Will, and every other eye in the place with him. Will sees Matthew out of the corner of his eye grinning the widest smile his face would allow in the corner. He set him up!

Will looks toward Aero, then to David and Ser Stephan who had drawn his sword in outrage. Finally, his eyes turn to the throne. The middle-aged King stood in the uproar and is looking upon Will with hellfire in his eyes.

Will realizes too late that he has made a terrible mistake.

Crimson Conversation #3- The Royal Family Today

“Come closer so I can get a better look at you… I do have thousand-year-old eyes.” Crimson says breaking the nothingness of thought in Aero’s mind’s eye.

Aero stands and slowly approaches Crimson’s area. His guard is down somewhat, he left his sword propped against the wall where it has been since he began talking with Crimson. Aero stands before him uncomfortably as the ancient eyes of the “Monster of Brintz” gives him a look over.

“So about what? Six feet tall?”

“Six feet one, actually” Aero responds.

“Blond hair, unkempt to your shoulders. You don’t look much like a royal to me; or any I remember at least. What you do look like is a dolphin rider from the Breaker Islands.” Crimson states as a growing smile appears on his face.

“Dammit!” Aero exclaims.

“It’s true, you can’t deny your mother’s influence over your appearance. You are a perfect match for a dolphin rider, down to your honey-gold eyes. They allow you to see underwater, you know that don’t you?” Crimson asks.

“What? Really?”

“Absolutely. Those eyes allow you to see in the depths or where there is low light; sometimes even in no light. Isn’t that exactly what a Spear-nosed dolphin rider would need while hunting on the ocean side of the Breaker Islands? Seventy-five feet waves crashing down on shore and you’re in the middle of all the action. Man and water-beast working in unity in the raging ocean as it slaps the island coast. You need that vision along the shelf where you have massive near hundred-foot waves above you forcing massive movements of water all around while you stare at a depth of over three miles below you.”

“Are the waves really that big? I feel like people exaggerate the Islands around me.” Aero says.

“I’ve heard they crest at one hundred and fifty feet in tide conditions.”

“I would like to see that site one day.”

“You have the darkened tan of the islanders too. Does your brothers tan like you?”

“Not hardly. Both have brown hair; John Henry’s is a little darker than David’s. both have the blueish eyes known to the Royal family, and both are way less tanned than I. All I have heard my entire life is how both of them look like rulers, while I look like their cupbearer. Both of them have said it themselves, just with David, I feel like he is only joking.” Aero says.

“And John Henry isn’t?”

“I don’t think so. He has a complex. Being the second born he had to go through the Royal Scholar program like David, but he doesn’t get to be king. All the while he saw me squiring for three knights and earning my own knighthood. He is a bitter person who would bring the kingdom to ruin if he got the throne.”

“Do you really think so?” Crimson asks.

“I believe he would. He doesn’t get to do the Regal visits that David does, As a squire to Ser Stephan the Broken Sword, I accompanied David on many of the trips in a lot of different situations. He was always carrying himself like a royal should. John Henry would have used these trips to find a beauty in the kingdom and make her his bride, and all her sisters and friends as his concubines. That is a fact! I have heard him press David about doing it for himself, but David carries himself so much better than John Henry.”

“Wait a second. Why would a king choose his wife from a random city? And since when do kings carry concubines? Crimson asks.

“I’m not sure when kings started having comfort women, I’m sure David could tell you. David is very intelligent; scholarship is his arena. I imagine John Henry could tell you as well, he probably wouldn’t because he enjoys being an asshole. But after Meego fell out of rotation at some point the Kings just decided to streamline the process and rule alone with a Queen figurehead with no power.” Aero explains.

“The crown traded in the unity of the kingdom for a sleezy approach to life. Your father has concubines now?”

“My father has many of them; How many? Hard to say, he keeps them out of sight of the public. He did remarry for political gain at the urging of his council a few years after my mother passed. He married a woman from Bellum. She berthed my sister, Shoala then returned to Bellum. I think she didn’t like the other women.”

“Give me a guess, an estimate on your father’s collection.” Crimson states amusedly.

If I had to give you an estimate it would be close to two hundred.” Aero states.

“Two hundred women? How does he have time for ruling?”

“He doesn’t. He has a group of about twenty-five advisors that do most of the governance. I doubt he has much knowledge of the daily issues of the kingdom. The strange thing is, he only had a couple concubines until my mother died. Then he started a collection of sorts, every excursion through the kingdom he would find ways to get more of them. I’m not too sure on the details, I’ve never been on King detail. I always accompanied David on his trips.”

“Is your brother David going to rule the same way?” Crimson asks

“I really don’t think so. David seems to carry a heavy burden upon himself. Even when he walks, his shoulders seem to be carrying the entire weight of the kingdom upon them. He’s young, not even thirty years old, but he has a lot of maturity about him. Because of this he enjoys time alone, he disappears for hours on end. It’s like he exiles himself from everyone. I feel like he knows that there is no one that understands the pressures he is carrying and needs a getaway.”

Crimson lets out a low laugh “Maybe you are a little more like your brother than you think.”

Aero smiles a little bit as he continues “David is clear to choose a wife in any region he wants. Must be nice to know that you can literally choose any woman in the kingdom… well except for Meego. I don’t think my brother will be choosing a Sand Charmer. He’s left them to me.”

Aero Part 1-1 Leaving the Cave

Prince Aero steps out of the cave into the daylight. He stops for a few moments as he allows his eyes to adjust to the brightness. How long was he in the cave with Crimson? He had no way of knowing. As his eyes adjust, his thoughts dwell on the last piece of advice Crimson had given him. Regardless of what would happen to him in Meego, he must go. He decided to do his duty, even if it cost him his life.

After a few blinding moments, Aero could see well enough to descend to the bottom of the hill to the main road. From there it would be only an hour walk back to Argeo, the small community hub for the farmers on the plains. It was there he left his stallion named Steel. From there, he would have a day’s ride home.

Home… if he could even call it that anymore. Aero hadn’t lived in the ancient family home of Blue Water Castle since he was around ten years old and he was taken as a squire by Ser Jeffery Hard Hands, who was the first of his three squire apprenticeships. For the past twelve years Aero has been travelling the country assisting those in need, protecting the innocent, and chasing down criminals. His travels increased after he was knighted by Ser Stephan. So Blue Water may be home by name but not in practice.

Just as Aero reaches the main road, he hears a shout from his left.

“Stop! In the name of your King!”

Aero turns toward the voice to see two men dressed in armor with the royal symbol on it. He recognizes one as Will a low-ranking officer in the Capital Guard.

Will was born in the peasant town just outside of the inner city of the Capital; an area known as River Bend. According to tradition, the mothers from River Bend name their sons royal king names but shorten them to prevent from disrespecting the actual royals. Will’s name was shortened from Aero’s fathers name, William.

Aero joked with Ser Stephan once that if Will were to ever be knighted his name would be William the Malcontent, because he is always complaining. Ser Stephan corrected him and said that Will was not the type of man to even be considered for knighthood.

Ser Stephan was right. Will had a small meteoric rise to an officer in the Capital Guard, but he was always complaining about not receiving a captain position. His argumentative attitude was what had held him back for so many years despite his insistence otherwise.

Aside from his position and armor there was nothing remarkable about Will that made him stand out from the next soldier… except his constant complaining. He was average build and height with black hair cut very short all the way around his head. His tan leathery skin combined with his short black beard hide his face which takes away any features that could give him personality.

“I said stop!” Will screamed at Aero.

Will draws his sword, his companion does as well.

“Prince Aero, in the name of King William, the thirty-second, I place you under arrest. You will be returned to the Capital to await your punishment. Personally, I think they should just send your ass to Meego.” Will states.

“Guardsmen, I am on my way to the Capital, I was just heading to Argeo to collect my horse; but you are more than welcome to accompany me to Argeo if you like…” Aero responds.

“We found your horse a month ago, sent him back to the Capital. I’m sure he is in the royal stable enjoying the benefits. As for you hold out your hands.” Will states as he holds out a pair of hand binders.

A month? Had Aero been in the cave that long, Aero wonders. “Do you really think binding my hands is a good idea? The hands of a Prince, the hands of an anointed knight, and the hands of the man who killed a Halo Bear with just a dagger?”

“This time I do, I have orders from the King himself! Bring you in by any means necessary. So, hold your hands out now or we will have to force them on you.”

“My father gave you orders? In that case…” Aero holds out his hands and allows Will to cuff him. Aero has a sense of destiny now; he will go to Meego and this arrogant man is nothing more than a means to an end. He needs a ride to his Father’s home.

Aero sees the smugness on Will’s face. He knows it will be short lived because once in Court, his family will be outraged. Will looks up at Aero’s face to find a slight smile on his face.

“Go get the prisoner wagon, and let’s get this prisoner to the King!” Will shouts to his help.

“Right away Sir” the young soldier responds as he runs off away from them.

“You do realize that you are making a mistake, don’t you?” Aero asks

“Me? It was Prince Aero the Fin who entered a forbidden place to try to dodge his duty… a direct order from the King himself! Me? I’m the man that is bringing a criminal to justice. I’ll be rewarded! I’ll be promoted to Captain! I may even get a knighthood out of this!” Will says are the wagon pulls up to them.

“As you say.” Aero responds.

Will exclaims to the other soldier “I overheard the Captain telling those knights they brought in for the search that Ser Robert said there was a huge reward for whoever finds the Prince, and it was me!”

Will leads him to the back of the prisoner wagon, Aero gets in. The cage bars will give everyone a chance to see him as he enters the Capital. Will wants a show. He wants everyone to know that he is the man who arrested a royal. He’s the man that brought the criminal Prince to Justice; and everyone in the Capital will see it is him! He knows he will be rewarded! He just knows it!

Will has never smiled as big a smile.

As the cart pulls off, Aero feels he is locked in on his destiny path. He knows there is no getting away from it now. He looks back up the hill towards the cave and admits to himself, he misses the company of Crimson already.

The Prince is Missing

A knock rings out on the Capital’s Master at Arms, door…

“Enter.” The man yells as he reads over paperwork on his desk.

A young unassuming man enters.

“Ah, Gerwin, do you have something for me?”

The young man with his slumped shoulders holds out a letter to the knight.

“This is an official decree from the King’s Council for you Ser Robert.“

Ser Robert rolls his eyes “I am on the Council, why wasn’t I told of the session?”

“I think it was an informal meeting between a few members, Ser.”

Again, Gerwin holds out the letter.

“Spare me the ceremony, what does it say?” says Ser Robert.

Basically, the Prince, the third one…”

“The Fin?”

“Yes, he has an upcoming pilgrimage on behalf of the crown to Meego and hasn’t returned from his hunting trip north of the Capital. You are to send out a party to retrieve him.”

“When is he due to return? I thought the Meego trip was still months away.” The knight asks.

“I’m not sure, the Councilmen didn’t say. They are concerned that he needs to be back in the Capital as soon as possible.”

“Fine, I will send out a scouting party. This is work is beneath me, Gerwin, I swear it is…” The middle age knight complains absentmindedly.

“No this is an important mission.” Gerwin states as he looks around the outside hallway before he shuts the door.

Ser Robert drops the papers in his hands on his desk and leans forward. He loves these rare moments when he gets a special mission.

“This mission was handed down from the Great Nocturn. The Council’s mission is a front to the Covenant’s mission. The information that I am about to give you is for you and our recruits only. The common soldiers must not know the truth.”

“Understood.”

Gerwin sits down before Ser Robert’s desk and leans in with a smile on his face.

“Prince Aero ran from this mission.”

“No.” Robert says in disbelief.

“He did. Seems the brave knight is afraid of what the future holds for him.”

“More like he’s afraid of those filthy sand charmers.”

Both men enjoy a laugh together.

“I wouldn’t be too keen on taking a Meego dagger to the heart either.” Gerwin states blissfully.

“I think they go for the neck…” Ser Robert responds.

“I thought it was the heart, doesn’t matter it’s not my problem.”

“Where did he run of to?”

Gerwin looks at the knight and raises his eyebrows “this is good.”

“Where?”

“The Forbidden Cave of Brintz.”

Ser Robert stands up in shock “No way.”

“He left a note in his room a couple weeks ago and no one has seen him since. The problem is, the Covenant has worked hard to put him on this mission, if he isn’t on it then we would have to send John Henry. We would have a hard time turning to David.”

“Last I heard, John Henry was leading the trip to Meego anyway.”

“The second born has been primarily the son to go on the trip, and John Henry was originally going to go, but Marco was able to recruit him. A royal in the Covenant! So, the question is- which son is a bigger threat to us? The Royally trained wimp or the famous Prince knight who is beginning to get a following in the kingdom.”

“David is no threat, but Aero could become a hero in the kingdom that would have to be dealt with.”

“Not if the daughters of Meego do the job for us.” States Gerwin.

Again, both men share a laugh.

“The Covenant’s orders are to find proof that the Prince is in the area. Hopefully, he is hunting in the area and can be recovered. If he hasn’t been found by the deadline, the Covenant will send out a special force to enter the cave to confirm his death.”

“Do you really think there is a beast in the cave?” Ser Robert asks.

“No, it’s a story parents tell kids to scare them. A bedtime story that has become a legend.”

“I agree. Please tell the Covenant that I am always at their service and will carry out their orders to the letter. I will do everything in my power to find the Prince and bring him in.” Ser Robert proclaims.

“We know, that’s why you were selected. The mission is important to the Covenant’s plans, a hefty reward will be given for returning the Prince.”

Ser Robert promises his best effort and sees Gerwin out. He has work to do…

Beast Conversation #2- Aero’s Problem with Meego

After several hours of rest, the Beast sits up and looks toward Aero’s direction. Aero’s eyes have adjusted to the dim cave, something is giving off a sort of false light. There is no light source, but his vision is as clear as if he was standing in a meadow around midday.

The hours of silence allowed Aero’s mind to roam through the events of the day, or yesterday. There was no way for him to be certain. His hours of contemplation brought him enough curiosity to ask the Beast a question.

“What is your name?” Aero asks.

“I had a name once, forgot it long ago. How about you call me Paul? I hear it’s not in use.” The Beast says coyly revealing a sliver of a sense of humor.

“It is a forbidden name.” Aero responds not understanding the joking nature of his statement.

“And this is a forbidden place, yet here you are… But if you aren’t comfortable with it, you can call me…” The Beast looks himself over as if he is searching for something. His pause gives Aero a moment to assess the Beast

Aero looks over the Beast with his well-adjusted eyes for the first time. He can see the deep red skin coloration, every detail of his muscle structure, how each muscle seems to be ready to burst from the stress of its tautness. Aero sees his pale-yellow eyes which are no longer glowing. At least from what he can tell. He looks over the Beasts’ facial features and finds he doesn’t look like a beast at all, he just looks like a crimson skinned muscular giant who just happens to be naked, needs to trim his fingernails and hasn’t had a shave in a very long time.

“Red..” Aero says “…because of your color… No, how about something with a little more personality? I would like to call you Crimson if you don’t mind.” Aero says meekly.

“Crimson… “the Beast thinks it over, and accepts it, not because he likes the name but rather, he wants to get back on track. “That’s a good name. Now that that’s out of the way I have so many questions but let’s start with your problem. I want to know all about Meego; Its history from my time until now, and why you are afraid to go there.” The newly christened Crimson states.

“Meego…” Aero hesitates as he removes his sword belt and royal cape.

“Meego was once a bountiful land. In your time, it was probably the richest region of the kingdom. The Inland Sea was full of all kinds of creatures that provided food for the entire region. The people of my mother’s home on the Breaker Islands were able to cross the Glass Sound to the mainland, pull their boats over the dunes and enter the sea to arrive in Meego in a couple days. But…” Aero pauses as Crimson adjusts himself to sit on a rock across the cave.

“Meego was a region heavily influenced by sorcery. After the purge at the end of the Great War, the entire region swiftly began to crumble. The Inland Sea began drying up and was emptied over the centuries. With it, the economy was gone. Food resources depleted. The Suns burns hot today over the empty sea for ten years at a time the entire region is in perpetual daylight. Scalding temperatures make crossing the seabed to Meego impossible, or so we believe. The sea has two seasons now, ten years of daylight followed by six months of darkness.”

“The entire sea is gone? It was three hundred miles wide and at least half of that long…”

“And about a mile deep at its deepest, but there is not a single drop of water left in it.”

“Damn!” Crimson exclaims.

“The pirates of the sea supposedly remained finding shelter in various deep cave systems in the depths where the sunlight can’t reach. But they were changed over time into a savage brood who makes traversing the sea a perilous journey when it’s possible. That’s a problem too. Meego still has massive amounts of wealth in coin and gold from its glory days but is poor in self-sustaining supplies and resources. So, for the dark times every ten years, Meego has seafarers, who are their most elite soldiers, make many trips to and fro shuttling in ten years’ worth of crown tax in coin and gold; returning with much needed food medicine and other supplies. The muster point is the old royal summer palace overlooking the south bank of the sea near the Cagle Crossroads.”

“But” Crimson says to cut Aero off “The Summer Palace was one of the wonders of the kingdom.”

“It’s nothing now from what I understand, only a couple walls of the palace remain and not for long. In my time as a squire, I travelled to many places across the kingdom, but I never ventured that far Northeast. My first trip would have been coming up very soon.”

“Again, you tell me something I have a hard time believing. I have seen the glory of the Summer Palace, it was the most beautiful architecture in the land. It had over three hundred bedrooms for honored guest, an orchard spanning many acres making some of the sweetest wines. It had a seventy-five-slip harbor complete with barracks as it housed the royal funded sea guard to combat piracy on the waters. The palace had a massive stable and arena for the games. It had the best horse racing in the kingdom! The Queen’s quarters that housed her maidens was a palace unto itself with private quarters, courtyard and beach. The servants lived on grounds year around with their families, it had to be a full-time staff of over one hundred just to keep the grounds in order. But now you tell me that it is abandoned and in ruins???” Crimson asks as his voice rises.

Aero doesn’t know what to say, so he just sits quietly to give Crimson a moment to collect himself. All the while taking note that Crimson claims to not remember his name but remembers the Royal Summer Palace in great detail. Not that Aero trusted him in the least, but he decides to pay close attention to everything Crimson says going forward.

After a few moments Crimson begins to speak with a softer tone. “I can still kind of taste the saltwater mist as it cascades off the rocks it crashed into just below the palaces northern courtyard.” His eyes are closed as he longingly reflects on the tranquil scene in his mind.

“Why did you go to the Summer Palace?” Aero asks sheepishly.

“I… uh… I can’t… I don’t remember…” Crimson struggles out.

Aero wants to push the questioning but more than getting answers, he doesn’t want to anger the giant before him. So he lets it go while making yet another mental note about the curious figure before him.

Crimson stands and stretches giving Aero a view as he flexes his muscles. He is deliberately trying to intimidate Aero into keeping his next question to himself. It works in his mind and decides to move on.

“Tell me about why you don’t want to go to Meego.” Crimson demands as he paces before Aero.

“It all started a couple generations after Paul’s and William’s Civil War. Paul had disappeared with his wife and a small group of loyalists when they realized they were going to lose the war. Despite William’s best efforts, Paul was never found. However, when it was nearing William’s grandson’s time to begin his courtship to find the next queen… it was Meego’s turn in the unity rotation, so the entire crown journeyed to the Summer Palace to see the grandson off. The seas were down a couple hundred feet but still navigable. While on the sea, a pirate ship came upon his ship. A battle ensued and the grandson lost. His name was lost to history. When the royal ship arrived in Meego the prince that stepped off was the grandson of Paul, with the royal blade in hand.”

“So, Paul’s Grandson killed his cousin and took his place?”

“He did, but while he was in Meego, he angered the Governor who refused to give one of his daughters over to him, thus ending his coup before it could take hold. The Grandson, named Joseph tried to wield the Royal Blade against the Governor but the magic in the blade refused to work for him, so he grabbed one of the daughters and held her for ransom to get back home and she executed him with a hidden dagger to the neck… Meego has a monument erected on that very spot.”

Again no words as Crimson takes all of the information in.

Aero continues “So the blade has been in Meego ever since. The sign of Royal power stolen from us. Rumor has it that the blade is on display in the main hall as a trophy. Those conniving bastards could have returned the blade to the true king but refused. So of course, every generation or so a member of the Royal family journeys to Meego in hopes of recovering the sword. Meego knows this and they lure us to them in false hopes of reclaiming the symbol.”

“So don’t try to get the sword while you are there.” Crimson states with an obvious tone of amusement.

“I have orders to retrieve it from my father already.” Aero replies. “Don’t forget the magic that bound the royal rotation. It made a royal male fall in love with a female of the ruling family of each region for unity sake. That magic was stuck when William’s other Grandson, Stephen the eighth passed over Meego and married his childhood friend. Every time a royal puts his eyes on a daughter of Meego, he falls in love with her…Then she kills him… It has happened so many times without fail. So if I go, the love of my life will be my executioner.”

“That is something to run from. The magic intended to bring unity between the next King and Queen lures royal men in for execution. But why does the Crown allow it?”

“The seabed is the perfect blockade to fend off any attack when crossable, and Meego pays it’s taxes and then some. The gold that comes in every ten years boosts the entire Kingdom’s economy. It’s a boom for every region of the kingdom. Plus, they have the sword… Every King dreams of wielding it again.”

Thanks for sharing that with me, I must meditate on all of this for a while.”

“Hey Crimson, when do you eat?”

“I don’t”

“When can I eat?”

“Are you hungry now”

“No”

“Then don’t worry about it.”

Beast Conversation #1- Sorcery, Magic and the Lasting Effects

“First thing we need to cover is the Great War.” Aero states, “It’s the crux of everything that has shaped the kingdom. Everything is as it is now because of it.”

The Beast nods as he settles into his hidden corner to relax and listen.

Prince Aero takes note that the Beast is purposefully blocking the cave. The beast must be trying to hide something.

“A Sorcerer had cast a spell that the King had asked for, but it caused the death of the Queen. Some say it was a fertility spell, others say it was a vanity spell to make her appear younger. But whatever it was, the Queen died.”

“Sounds like he trusted the wrong Sorcerer to me. But I am sure the guild just sent him one of their most respected to be his personal wizard.”

“What guild?”

“Back in the time of respected magic, the Sorcerers’ Guild functioned as a business to provide services for the people. They would send an envoy to serve the crown.”

Aero thinks on the life he could have had with a family magician to make life easier. Another mental note to go over later.

Aero continues “King William went mad with rage and declared war on all things magic…”

The torch light fades as he speaks before going completely out.

“Don’t worry, in a few minutes you will be able to see better without the light.” The Beast explains.

Aero is unsettled. Whatever poise the light had given him was gone. He is alone in the dark with a behemoth troll, or monster, or goblin. His features don’t really fit any known category.

“Your heartbeat has increased. Makes your blood smell better, relax. I am interested in what you are saying and I’m not real hungry right now. Please continue.”

Aero hopes he is joking as he continues.

“As support began to spread for the king, reports began being shared throughout the kingdom of all the negative effects that the spells had caused. A groundswell rally of people fed up with the magic formed the greatest army the crown had ever mustered. Of course, magicians had its supporters too. Battles were fought in every corner; the historians say that blood was shed on every rock from the Raging Sea to the snows the Iron Mountains.”

“And I was locked in this cave the entire time…” The Beast says with remorse.

“It was a three-year war, with constant fighting. Known engagements number over ten thousand, with countless deaths. We know for certain that the Minotaur race was obliterated, the Skymen were reduced to bare numbers and are only found on Peel Island in the Golden Ocean out west. Rumors have persisted for centuries that a small number of the Strongwood Witches are hidden away on the island, but there have been several excursions to find them over the years without a trace. All paid the price for opposing the crown.”

Aero collects himself as he begins to finish the story.

“The war culminated in the first six months of King Paul’s reign. His brutal tactics forced the opposition to the cliffs of what was once known as the Popalu Shores, where all the magicians no matter their classification were thrown into the rocks below the bluffs. Some saw three ships being loaded by some that are presumed to have made it to the beach during the massacre. Paul created the Western Defense the next morning. The force still patrols the entire western border watching for anything to land on the shores. Paul also renamed the place Red Rock Bay as a celebration of his victory”

“How long did it take the crown to realize that the magic was still in affect?”

“Couldn’t have been too long. Many of the crown force carried weapons with magic properties. The King carried the Royal Blade, the five Gilbert Knight’s carried their Warhammers to name a few. The crops that were boosted by magic continued to grow in abundance, families came forward to the crown with complaints of the curses upon them still being in place. All these factors along with Paul’s brutal reign destabilized the kingdom to allow for the first Civil War in Kingdom history. Paul’s reign lasted less than three years. His younger brother William gained enough support to oust Paul, but before Paul could be captured and executed, he disappeared. Not only him, his wife and two children. He took the Royal Blade with him.”

“So, the outcome of this Great War was that the people with the ability to create new magic or alter old magic or could end all of the negative effects of any spell were killed or maybe exiled? Then all of the magic already in place has been left unchecked for all this time?” The Beast asks.

“And all of the people alive have been forced to live according to that magic without hope of escaping ever since.” Aero responds.

“I’ve been in this cave all of this time hoping that a sorcerer or witch or mage or anyone would wander by and release me. There was never a chance of that.”

Aero can hear the frustration in the Beast’s voice. The Beast is stuck in the cave by magic, he understands the horror of his words; there never was a chance of escape. At the same time the Beast is realizing that he never will leave the cave.

After a short silent period of obvious deep contemplation, the Beast speaks.

“Aero, please don’t say another word tonight. I can’t handle any more of this. Let’s sleep.”

Aero agrees but does so by remaining silent. Aero reflects on the past few hours, which he must call a success. He thought he would be dead by now, instead he has built the foundations of a relationship with a mythological figure.

Just as the Beast is reflecting on his wasted hopes and pondering his past, Aero’s mind creeps toward the fact that his trip to Meego may still be in his future.

A Prince walks into a Cave

A Cool breeze hits his ankles from the inner cave as he eases further down the darkened shaft.

A sense of meaning envelopes his mind. For the first time in his life, the young prince feels that he has made a decision on his own. He would decide his fate, not his father. The warmth of the torch light on his handsome face reveals a smile even though he has just broken a law punishable by death.

Death…

A certainty for him anyway, his pride pushes him forward.

That small feeling of euphoria doesn’t last long as he passes a lone skeleton on the dark floor. It has clearly been in that spot for a long time as he stops to examine it. Barely visible are the remaining rotted tatters of this poor soul’s clothes. A rusty shield lying next to the body.

He kneels to examine it.

The emblem on the shield appears to be a spire with both Suns in the background. He doesn’t recognize it. A minor house perhaps… or a forgotten one.

The distraction of the bones doesn’t last long as he hears rumbling in the dark cave before him.

Unnerved, he cautiously walks forward with complete darkness on every side of him outside of his torches reach.

Movement! Closer now, too close. He stops in his tracks.

“I smell king’s blood…” A deep low voice states from the darkness shaking the young man to his bones.

“It’s been a very long time, but there is nothing like it. Smells better than the best meats over the fire.”

“He..Hello” states the young prince as he draws his sword slowly. Terrified, he’s never seen himself as prey before.

“What are you going to do with that? Do you think that pathetic steel will save you from me? There is no magic bound to that blade.” The voice says arrogantly from the dark.

The prince frozen in his tracks, contemplates his options before sheathing his sword as slowly as he had drawn it. A sudden realization that he in fact did not want to die arose in his mind. Too bad, he thought. If only he had made that decision a few minutes before… But here he stands, inside one of the twelve forbidden locations in the kingdom. Waiting to find out what the voice is attached to, waiting to see the thing that is going to kill him.

“Good… Good” the voice says as the young man releases the hilt of his sword.

“You are braver than everyone else who has ever came here.”

Silence fills the room, the torch light has blinded him to the darkness of the cave.

“Are you the king?” The gravelly voice asks.

“No… I am the kings son.” He answers nervously.

“Which one?”

“I am the third son to King William. My oldest brother David will be King one day, after him my brother John Henry, then me. The line of succession if that’s what we are asking.” Stupid, does the line of succession mean anything to him? The prince’s answers prove how nervous he is, and how he has just now realized the danger he is in.

“I’m not sure I would put you in line, no one has ever left my cave alive, Prince…”

“Aero, I am Prince Aero.”

“That’s not a royal name! Ha Ha Ha Ha”

The volume of the voice rises and the laughter is echoed off of the cave wall creating a thunderous noise.

Aero, the frightened prince just stands in his spot, torch light revealing the indignation upon his face. After a short time the laughing storm subsides.

“Tell me Prince Aero, how did you come to have such a name?”

“My mother was from the Breaker Islands… After my brothers were born, my father allowed her to name me in hopes of giving her something to remind her of her home. She was like a fish out of water in the capital. So she gave me an Islander name, and laughter has followed me my entire life. Even my brothers look down on me because of it.”

“How did the insignificant Breaker Islands become so important that they were placed into the kingdom rotation? Did they rise up and take Meego’s place?” The voice asks with obvious interest.

“How long have you been in this cave? The Breaker Islands belong to the region seat of Bellum.”

“For how long?”

“Eight hundred years.”

Suddenly the voice is whispering, lowly like it is talking to itself.

Aero, only hears parts

“Has it been that long?”

“It can’t be.”

“He is a liar.”

Aero, speaks up to engage the voice cautiously “Who was the last king you remember?”

“King William, just like your father.”

“Which one?” Aero asks

“William the seventeenth… He had sons Matthew and Paul.”

“I know them.” Aero states guardedly. “They are some of the most important names in the history of Avodroc. King William the Seventeenth ruled eleven hundred years ago. His son Matthew was killed in the Great War near the end of his reign. Paul the Ninth ruled briefly before his younger brother, William the Eighteenth overthrew him in the first Civil War of the kingdom. Paul was known Paul the Devastator, because of his actions as king. The name of Paul ended with him.”

“Eleven Hundred Years!”

Silence again followed by more whispers.

“Great War?”

“It’s not true… impossible.”

“My father is King William the thirty-second, David will be the twenty-sixth and John Henry would be the fifth…”

“And you would be Aero the first… why are you here? To die?”

“Yes, and no… it’s complicated..”

The voice peaks “Well then…”

Suddenly movement is heard throughout the cave.

From behind a rock, a huge body begins to appear. Muscular and exaggerated. Hairy, dark fur lines the body. Sharp claws are impossible to miss. Looking up at least eight feet high, Aero sees the low glow of yellow eyes. The darkness still hides its face.

“… if it is death you want.. you came to the right place.” The beast states “But you don’t sound so sure to me.”

“It’s not that I want to die, but my father gave me a death sentence. So I am going to die.”

“What kind of death sentence? Beheading? They were always my favorite.” The Beast states in obvious amusement.

“No” Aero states “I have to go visit Meego on behalf of the crown. Every royal who has went to Meego for the past thousand years has been killed by one of the Governor’s daughters…”

Aero pauses as he adjusts his sword belt and leans against the wall.

“My father can’t risk his heir, or the second in line… so he says I will have to do.”

The Beast remarks “But Meego is a beautiful oasis sitting over the Inland Sea. The place is magnificent. It’s not a den of murder.”

“But it is to the royals. A lot has changed in the world since you were in it. A spell causes a royal to fall in love with a daughter of the Meego’s Governor and she uses it to kill him. The daggers of Meego are legendary in my family history.”

“Ah, this is a simple fix. Just get a Sage to null the spell.”

“I can’t. The Great War was between the crown and those that practiced magic in the land. The crown won and cast out all of those that practiced the arts. There hasn’t been a spell cast in the land since you have been in this cave.” Aero states.

“Your people got rid of the magicians, but are stuck with the magic they casted? That is quite humorous.”

“Over a thousand years after the Great War that forced all magicians out of the land, ancient spells still dominate it.”

“Very humorous indeed.”

“Not if you’re next in line to be slaughtered, you wouldn’t find any humor in it… Not even meeting the Monster of Brintz comforts you.” Aero says as he slumps in the cave floor.

“Monster? Is that what I am to you?”

“I don’t know, tell me what you are?”

“How about this. You stay in the cave for a while, tell me about the land. How it is, how it has changed and answer my questions and maybe I will answer some of yours along the way. I may even let you leave this place… ALIVE. A great reward for a few conversations wouldn’t you say?”

“If that’s my best option, then I will take it. Maybe I’ll gain a little knowledge before I die.”

How the story came to be

In loving memory of my Mother, Joni Stacks.

My Mother was diagnosed with cancer for the 3rd and final time in July 2018. Over the weeks that she fought for her life, I coped by creating a world in my head. It’s a sad coping mechanism I know but it’s how I managed.

Over the months after her passing the story grew and I started to realize I needed to write it down for even more therapy. Finally, on 8/12/19 (the one year anniversary of my Mother’s passing) I put “pen to paper” for the first time.

I have been writing ever since then and am going to share the story with the world. Maybe it’s for further therapy but I wanted to do it to honor my Mother one more time.

I decided to write this story in short story form for easier access into my world. I hope you enjoy it. these characters helped me through some of the hardest times of my life.

Adam